Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Caye Caulker
Summary: If you''re moving to Caye Caulker with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker, is a small Caribbean island known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. While the island itself does not have a wide range of international or bilingual schools, there are a few options in nearby towns that are accessible by a short boat ride and drive. Two of the most popular schools that cater to expat children are The Island Academy in San Pedro and Belize Elementary School in Belize City.
The Island Academy
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Website: www.islandacademy.com
The Island Academy offers a curriculum that blends Belizean and international standards, focusing on creating a well-rounded educational experience. The school prides itself on its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention. Facilities include a library, computer lab, and playground. Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and art are also part of the school's program. The Island Academy is a short boat ride from Caye Caulker, followed by a brief drive, making it a convenient option for families residing on the island.
Belize Elementary School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Belize City
Website: www.belizeelementary.com
Belize Elementary School is one of the leading private schools in Belize City, offering a bilingual education in English and Spanish. The school follows a curriculum that prepares students for both local and international educational standards. With modern facilities, including science labs, computer rooms, and sports fields, Belize Elementary School provides a comprehensive education. Extracurricular activities are diverse, ranging from robotics to basketball. The school is accessible from Caye Caulker by a combination of boat and car travel within 40 minutes.
Hummingbird Elementary School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Belize City
Hummingbird Elementary School is another reputable institution in Belize City that offers a bilingual curriculum. The school emphasizes academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a library, and a playground. Students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as dance, music, and sports. The school is accessible from Caye Caulker via boat and car, making it a viable option for expat families.
Unity Presbyterian School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Belize City
Unity Presbyterian School provides a faith-based bilingual education with a focus on English and Spanish language acquisition. The school offers a balanced curriculum that includes arts, sciences, and humanities. Facilities are designed to support an engaging learning environment, and the school encourages participation in community service and extracurricular activities. The commute from Caye Caulker is manageable, involving a boat ride and a short drive.
San Pedro High School
Grades: Form 1 through Form 4 (equivalent to high school)
Location(s): San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
San Pedro High School caters to older students and provides a curriculum that prepares them for tertiary education and the workforce. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement and offers a range of subjects, including tourism, which is relevant to the local economy. Facilities include science labs, computer rooms, and sports areas. The school is accessible from Caye Cauler by boat, followed by a short walk or drive.
Please note that while these schools are the closest options for expat families living on Caye Caulker, the commute involves both sea and land travel, which should be considered when planning your daily routine.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.